Dodgers sale approval on court's calendar for Friday afternoon

WILMINGTON, Del. -- The sale of the Dodgers is expected to be approved at a U.S. Bankruptcy Court hearing starting at 1 p.m. PDT.

The court held a morning session to hear several matters related to the case, most significantly an agreement by Fox Sports to withdraw its objection to sale.

In a filing Thursday, the Dodgers said that the new owners would state for the court record that the ownership group does not involve Time Warner Cable and that the group has no formal or informal agreement with Time Warner Cable for a new Dodgers television contract. Fox attorney Gregory Werkheiser said that stipulation would satisfy Fox's concerns.

Under its settlement with the Dodgers, Fox had the right to challenge a sale to any group that included Time Warner Cable. The Dodgers' current television contract with Fox expires after the 2013 season, and Fox and TWC are expected to bid for the new contract.

The Major League Baseball Players' Assn. also said it agreed to the sale. Major League Baseball will appear at the 1 p.m. hearing.